Atherstone cruiserweight Mark Smallwood is beginning to suspect his long-awaited match-up with Garry Delaney may never happen.

Smallwood, 27, was due to finally meet Delaney, a former British title contender, at the Skydome on the Capitol Promotions live Sky TV show this Saturday.

It's the second time they were due to meet. In May they were scheduled to fight on the Audley Harrison undercard but Delaney, 31, couldn't make the weight and Smallwood instead defeated the eccentric Valery Odin with a fourth round stoppage.

This time Delaney is claiming he injured ribs in sparring, though it's thought he again struggled to make the 13st 8lbs limit.

"It's disappointing because for the last six weeks we've been training to meet Delaney, travelling to spar in Sheffield and London and preparing to meet his style," said Smallwood.

"Delaney is ranked higher than me in the ratings and we were thinking that if we could beat him we'd have a good shout for a title but I don't think it's ever going to happen - it looks like he doesn't fancy it," he added.

At such short notice Matchroom were struggling to find a decent opponent last night but it's thought former British light-heavyweight title contender Mark Baker could be in the frame.

"Whatever happens I'm in the best condition I've been in for years," said Smallwood. "I'm still determined to put on a show and my tactics will remain the same.

"These things happen in boxing and you have to not let it upset your preparations.

"I might be a big lad but I can box and move and I'll be looking to stay out of trouble and pick my opponent off with the jab then take my opportunity to finish it.

"My speed and style will ensure I don't get caught and I'm determined to take the opportunity which the Sky coverage will give me to get noticed."